A public defense attorney had planned to argue a suppression motion during criminal proceedings on Friday, June 12, but instead, Aric Miera, 40, of Mancos, pleaded guilty to attempted escape.<\/p>\n
On Nov. 29, prosecutors said Miera attempted to pry open a window at the Montezuma County jail using a bar that was removed from a bed. As a result of the plea agreement, the court added three years consecutive to Miera\u2019s life without parole sentence.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis was dangerous conduct,\u201d said District Court Judge Todd Plewe.<\/p>\n
Last month, another court upheld Miera\u2019s first-degree murder conviction in the 2005 shooting death of Cortez attorney Richard Luhman. Representing Miera\u2019s wife during divorce proceedings, Luhman was shot four times in the chest.<\/p>\n
With a history of domestic violence, Miera reportedly rushed into his ex-wife\u2019s lawyer\u2019s office on West First Street, forced his way past a secretary and then murdered the 62-year-old attorney with a .32-caliber pistol on March 4, 2005. Miera fled and led police on a two-hour manhunt before being arrested on County Road L.<\/p>\n
Earlier this month, prosecutors opted not to proceed with escape charges against a co-defendant in the attempted jailbreak. The 22-year-old man could be subject to prosecution if he fails to remain sober while under private supervision, prosecutors said.<\/p>\n